Favorite scope for your favorite rifle?

[RattlerXX]

I have quite a few different rifles with different scopes, but I just ordered a new Winchester Laredo LRH 7mm and I need a new scope. This gun will be used for long range shooting, and I'm not sure what scope to buy, (My instinct says go with Leupold) What are your opinions, and what is your favorite scope on your fav rifle?

THANKS!

 

[Bronco]

You might want to give NightForce scopes some consideration. I don't own one personally, but I've only heard good things about them thus far, and they specialize in higher power offerings.

In my own experience I've had mixed results with Leupold's higher power offerings (two 6.5-20 Vari-X IIIs that I'd describe as above average and one MkIV M1 that was a disappointment). I have only good things to say,however, regarding a Swarovski variable that's survived 15 years on a .300 Wby magnum.

 

[SIFU1A]

swarovski is a good one, expensive though, leupold also is supposed to be good, have a simmons 6-20 variable on my 7mag, it works pretty good, i hunt a lot in the late afternoon, so i need a scope which gathers lite pretty well, so far the simmons is working well, i have also had good experience with older weavers, dont know how the newer ones are.

might as well throw in my fav red dot type scope is aimpoint, although i have to admit the tasco propoint works pretty darned good for about a sixth the price (ie $50 vs $330) but obviously the aimpoint is a better product. i just dont like the eotechs/etc, prefer the tube type sighting devices.

 

[Geraldo]

The makers I would use are:

Leupold
Nightforce
US Optics
Swarovski
Zeiss
Trijicon

I would never buy a Bushnell, as I've seen more of them killed than any other. I've broken Nikons and Leupolds, the difference is that the Leupolds were repaired free of charge. A friend who teaches a LR rifle class says the Springfield scopes have a high tits up ratio.

Of the ones I would by, Leupold and certain Trijicons are the cheapest. Having wasted money on lesser scopes, I buy the best I can afford now. It also surprises me how many people will buy a fairly expensive new rifle, then cheap out on optics. If your glass takes a dive, your rifle is worthless, potentially costing you your hunt or your life. Better to buy a used Savage and a Swarovski, than a Custom Shop M700 and a Simmons.

Another point is to buy good rings and bases.

 

[fruitbat]

I got Bushnells on everything that needs a scope. IMHO it's the best for the money.

 

[MP5ripper]

If nightforce were on the list, it would get my vote. 2nd place would have to go to ziess.

 

[doomonyou]

I went the cheap route a few years ago when I bought my .270. I put a Tasco High Country 3x9 on it. For 5 years now I still can not get good groupings. Most likey I thought it was me so I lived with it. It was good enough to take a deer so who cares right?
Two years ago I bought a Marlin .45/70 Guide Gun. I knew I wanted a low power scope so I reluctantly broke down and looked to buy a Leupold. I found what I was looking for on EBay, a Vari X 3 1.5x5 in matte finish. the guy said it was like new, so I bought it for $270.00 When it arrived I looked at the scope, I could have laid it next to a brand new scope of the same model and no one could tell the difference. I bought Leupold rings and bases and bore sighted it and went off to the range. At 25 yards I had 2 shots in the 10 ring! I was pretty proud of myself that day. So I went out to 100 yards 2 more shots a little off, so I made a few tweaks and fired 2 more right back in the ole 10 ring. 6 shots total! I am by no means an expert on firearms, I like to shoot and hunt. But I am an expert in "you get what you pay for". My .270 is getting the big "L" on it this year as well. I vote Leupold!

 

[AJ]

I've had a Pentax Lightseeker mounting on my .270 for 14 hunting seasons. As I get ready to take it into its 15th season it still performs as well as day it was mounted on the rifle. Not one problem in those 14 years, and many nice animals to show for it. Great scope. It's handled sub-zero temps, scorching temps, snow, rain, mud, sleet, and everything both Mother Nature and I have thrown at it.

AJ

 

[bquinlan]

The scope I've done the most shooting with, and had the best luck with, is a Burris, but it's not a rifle scope. I put their Posi-Lock 2x-7x handgun scope on my Taurus Raging Bull in .44 and have never regretted the choice. Even with Garrett .44 Magnum +P rounds pushing 1400 ft/lbs (330 grains at 1385 fps) it has remained perfectly adjusted and trouble-free.

--Bob Q

 

[bill_G]

nikon 3x9 on a Ruger #1 .243 cal

 

[Richard K]

I have a Weaver Grand Slam 3.5-10x44 mounted on my Bushmaster V-Match. This scope is much brighter and clearer than my Leupolds (and at a lower price)

 

[Steve Hayden]

Since you didn't say anything about price, I picked Zeiss.

I have used Leupold, (old) Weaver K4 and Burris scopes and like all three.

I have tried some of the cheaper varieties and think that Simmons, Tasco and Bushnell are POS and not worth even their cheap price. A Simmons Whitetail Hunter Var at 9X would not show the detail at 100 yards that an old Leupold 4X M6 model did.

One exception to the poor quality of cheap scopes I have found is the BSA line. I bought a 3-10 X 42 a few years ago and have found it to be good optically and it hold very close on its zero through varying conditions year to year. Not holding zero was the main thing I used to have against (old)Redfield, which otherwise was a fine scope.

 

[Gossman Knives]

Over the years I've used various brands of scopes. I've never invested in any of the high dollar ones. I've had the best luck with Simmons, Bushnell and BSA. I'm not that keen on Tasco, but have pistol scopes that have faired quite well. If I had to pick one it would be Simmons.
Scott

 

[C L Wilkins]

I have a Leupold VIII 4.5X14 on a Ruger No. 1V 25.06

Bear in mind that most shots were over 200 yards where I used to hunt. I had a Leupold 2X8 before and it wasn't even close to being enough scope.

It is the 44mm objective, not the 50mm. I don't like having to put taller scope rings on the rifle. To me, it is awkward but that's just me. The 50mm isn't that much brighter than the 44mm is. It is a LOT more expensive.

The difference between a premium scope and a less expensive scope is about 10 minutes. What I mean by this is that you can see longer through a less expensive scope as it gets darker at dusk, just before sunset is officially over.
Like binoculars, when you buy, look at the shadows in the corners or ceiling of the store and you can see a marked difference.

I have a Tasco 3X9 on a Ruger 10/22T Target model and it does not warrant a very expensive scope since it is never shot at dawn or dusk, but it is an "expensive" Tasco. Well, as far as Tasco's go.

A friend of mine one time mounted a Tasco on a Remington 10mm Mag, fired it once and both crosshairs were broke! He had to get a premium scope just to shoot the darned cannon!

This is just one person's opinion and it works for me. You can reach the point of diminishing returns in a hurry when it comes to stuff like this.

How much scope do you need and how much do you want to spend is the basic question. Go to a gun show and pick them up and look through them.

Tasco and Bushnell are on the lower end of the spectrum. Leupold and Nikon in the middle, Swarovski and Zeiss are on the upper end.

I think its a rip when you go out and spend more than $600 for a rifle then have to spend $$$ more dollars for a scope just to shoot the darn thing.

Craig

 

[comet]

Leupy for me.!

 

[RattlerXX]

I went ahead and put a new Leupold VXII 4x12x40 on my Winchester.

Thanks guys!

I will post more about it later, and let you know how it performs.

 

[Danbo]

Might be best to break this down into 2 catagories. One, for scopes that are outta most people's budgets, and best that can be afforded. Obviously, Zeiss would be way up there, but probably too much moolah for most people.

My vote goes for Nikon and Burris, as they are great scopes that are moderately priced. With Leopold, you really have to jump up to the Vari X III to get the good quality. The Vari X II is not much better than your Tascos, IMHO.